Trinity Metro Starts Construction on $270 Million Fort Worth Rail Extension

Trinity Metro began construction on a new rail line in Fort Worth on Wednesday. The project costs $270 million and will add 2.1 miles of track. The work will extend the TEXRail commuter service south from the Fort Worth T&P Station.

The new line will terminate at a station in the Near Southside neighborhood. This station will serve the Medical District. The land for the station was provided by Baylor Scott & White Health.

The extension connects the district to existing TEXRail stops. These locations include downtown Fort Worth, North Richland Hills, and Grapevine. It also provides access to Terminal B at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.

Rich Andreski, president and CEO of Trinity Metro, spoke to more than 100 people at the groundbreaking ceremony. He called the project an investment in the future of the city. He noted that Fort Worth is growing and that these decisions will shape how people experience the city for generations.

Jeff Davis, chairman of the Trinity Metro Board of Directors, emphasized the role of transit in urban development. He stated that all great cities have great transit. He added that transit is the answer to everything.

Charles Williams, president of Baylor Scott & White DFW West Region, said the organization is proud to host the first TEXRail stop in the Medical District. He said the connection will make it easier for people to receive care or come to work. He described helping people reach what matters to them as a way to empower them to live well.

The project is funded by a mix of federal, regional, and local sources. Federal funds come from the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program and the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program. Additional federal support comes from the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development program and the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act. Local savings from the original TEXRail project also contribute to the cost. The North Central Texas Council of Governments’ Regional Transportation Council and local entities provide further support.